Defending Phases of Play

Defending Phases of Play are more realistic soccer practices designed to simulate a specific sections of play within a real football match in the defending phase. Here we train units and whole team understanding of the principles of play and tactical understanding. Usually this form of training takes place over 2/3rds of a full size football pitch and focuses on a specific aspect of play (defending when outnumbered, defending, marking and covering, etc). The team being worked with can be overloaded (e.g. 9vs8, 8vs7) and conditions placed on the other team to further create a good learning environment. Various start positions can also be employed to create the game scenario desired.

Coach how to regain possession in the final third and how to prevent the opposition playing forwards. Ideally attempting to regain possession of the football in 6 secs if possible. Roles and responsibilities in a 4-4-4 (4-2-3-1) in order to effectively defend in and around your own 18 yrd area.

Negative Transition (Shadow Play)

Develop players’ understanding of negative transition and quick recovery to defensive shape. Develop players’ understanding of passing patterns and understanding of rotating positions. Phase of Play instructed and led by the coaching staff.

Coach Defending in the Final Third

Defending in the final 3rd and defending priorities. Positioning of the defending line and coaching the principles of defending in the defending half. Movements and spacing of the defending unit to handle various situations.

Develop players’ understanding of negative transition and quick recovery to defensive shape. Develop players’ understanding of passing patterns and understanding of rotating positions. Phase of Play instructed and led by the...